Granada, Spain: travel guide
The Alhambra above a Moorish quarter, with tapas to match
Home of the Alhambra, historic Moorish quarter Albaicín, and free-tapas bars beneath the Sierra Nevada.
About Granada
Granada lies below the snowy Sierra Nevada, and its great monument, the Alhambra, rises above the town on a hill. The old Moorish quarter of the Albaicín tumbles below in a maze of white houses and small squares.
The Alhambra and its Generalife gardens need a good half day. From the Albaicín you can walk along the Carrera del Darro, take in the sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolás, and see the cave houses of Sacromonte, known for flamenco. In the bars, a drink traditionally arrives with a free tapa.
Granada suits history lovers, photographers and budget-minded food fans. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Granada, with mild weather for the hills.
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
- Nearest airport
- GRX
Last updated
Top places to visit in Granada
Alhambra
Heritage · about 3.5 h · entry €19 (≈ ₹2,030)
Sublime Nasrid palace-fortress of stucco, tile and courtyards overlooking Granada; UNESCO.
Albaicín
Heritage · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Old Moorish quarter of white houses and cármenes, a UNESCO hillside facing the Alhambra.
Mirador de San Nicolás
Viewpoint · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Famous terrace with the classic postcard view of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada.
Generalife
Nature · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Nasrid summer palace's terraced gardens and fountains beside the Alhambra.
Granada Cathedral
Church · about 1 h · entry €6 (≈ ₹640)
Renaissance cathedral with a soaring white-and-gold interior.
Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)
Heritage · about 0.8 h · entry €6 (≈ ₹640)
Gothic chapel and mausoleum of the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand.
Sacromonte Caves
Cultural · about 1 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹530)
Hillside of cave dwellings, the cradle of Granada's zambra flamenco.
Alcaicería
Market · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored maze of the old Moorish silk bazaar, now craft and spice stalls.
Carrera del Darro
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Romantic riverside street of medieval bridges beneath the Alhambra walls.
Monasterio de la Cartuja
Monastery · about 0.8 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹530)
Extravagant Baroque Carthusian monastery on the city's edge.
Parque de las Ciencias
Museum · about 2 h · entry €7 (≈ ₹750)
Interactive science museum with a planetarium and observation tower.
Realejo & Casa de los Tiros
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Former Jewish quarter of tapas bars, street art and Renaissance mansions.
Things to do
- Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Guided Tour Cultural · 3 h · from EUR 55 per person
- Sacromonte Zambra Flamenco Flamenco · 1.5 h · from EUR 28 per person
- Albaicín & Sacromonte Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2.5 h · from EUR 20 per person
- Granada Tapas Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 55 per person
- Arab Baths (Hammam) Experience Wellness · 1.5 h · from EUR 40 per person
Day trips and tours
- Granada Alhambra & Albaicín Day Tour 7 h · from EUR 90
Where to stay in Granada
- Albaicín about EUR 115 per night
Moorish hillside quarter with Alhambra views and carmen guesthouses.
- Centro about EUR 100 per night
Central area near the cathedral, convenient for sights and tapas bars.
Hotels
- Parador de Granada 4-star · EUR 280 to EUR 550 per night
- Hotel Casa 1800 Granada 4-star · EUR 140 to EUR 300 per night
- Hotel Alhambra Palace 5-star · EUR 200 to EUR 450 per night
- Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés 3-star · EUR 95 to EUR 200 per night
- Oasis Backpackers' Hostel Granada 2-star · EUR 18 to EUR 55 per night
Where to eat
- Bodegas Castañeda Spanish, Tapas, Andalusian · about EUR 15 per person
- Los Diamantes Spanish, Seafood, Tapas · about EUR 18 per person
- Restaurante Chikito Spanish, Andalusian · about EUR 35 per person
- Bar Poe Spanish, Tapas, International · about EUR 15 per person
- La Botillería Spanish, Tapas, Modern · about EUR 25 per person
- Carmela Restaurante Spanish, Andalusian, Modern · about EUR 32 per person
Getting to Granada
Airport: Granada (GRX)
Getting around
- Bus
- Metro
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Free-tapas bar overcharge
Centro tapas bars
A few bars near sights charge inflated drink prices while claiming "free tapas".
How to avoid it: Check drink prices; locals' bars in Realejo give generous tapas.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions about Granada
- What are the main places to visit in Granada?
- Places covered in our Granada guide include Alhambra, Albaicín, Mirador de San Nicolás, Generalife, Granada Cathedral.
- Where should I stay in Granada?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Granada: Albaicín, Centro.
- How do I get around Granada?
- Ways to get around Granada covered in our guide: City bus, Metro, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Granada?
- Scams reported to us for Granada include Free-tapas bar overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Granada?
- The nearest airport to Granada has the code GRX.